VICE RING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 248, 19 October 1937, Page 4

VICE RING

POLICE CLEAN-UP LONDON AND PARIS Penetrating deep into the London underworld in its search for the murderers of Elsie MacMahon and three other women within the last ten months, Scotland Yard has discovered evidence on which it is to base immediately another attack on white slaves and drug gangs in the West End. This evidence shows that the London vice racket is once more being operated from abroad. Already the Paris police have launched a parallel drive—the most intensive s|pt made—but adopting more spectacular methods than those likely in England. Early morning raids on Montmartre night clubs, bars and cafes have swept scores of men and women into the police net to be carried off by the lorry load when unable to establish their identity. Among them have ben a number of wealthy English women. They were released after a few hours. Superintendent Yandell and Detec-tive-Inspector Drew have gained an insight into crime in its most sinister form. Aiding Superintendent Yandell is Superintendent Sands, under whose eye comes most of the West End where the gangs operate. It is no news to them and the racket revolves round the women and girls who supply the gangs’ finances. But even these veteran officers have been appalled by the terrorism and savagery now being employed to discipline members of gangs. Everywhere they have found people afraid to speak. Terrorism in the form of blackmail —more vicious than that employed merely to gain money —is more common than murder. Directing the racket from abroad with no danger to themselves—they have other gangs in other countries—the “big men” lived comfortably on the proceeds of their planning, until the Paris police took a hand.